Auto Expo 2018: New Honda X-Blade 160cc Bike Revealed; Launch In March 2018

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has revealed its all new 160cc motorcycle – the Honda X-Blade, at the Auto Expo 2018 on February 7.

Apart from Honda X-Blade, the two-wheeler maker also showcased ten new 2018 editions (6 domestic models and 4 global bikes).

Talking at the Auto Expo 2018, Takahiro Hachigo, President, CEO & Representative Director, Honda Motor, Japan, said, “India being the largest motorcycle market for Honda now contributes almost one-third of Honda’s global motorcycle sales. Global Honda will continue to provide full support to our Indian motorcycle operations.”

Honda X-Blade

The all-new Honda X-Blade has a segment first feature – the futuristic LED headlight, and sporty dual outlet port silencer.

Its design is further accentuated by link type gear shifter, spilt grab rails, alloy wheels, hugger fender and muscular graphics.

It is powered by 162.71 cc HET engine, and is available in 5 colours options – Matte Marvel Blue Metallic, Matte Frozen Silver Metallic, Pearl Spartan Red, Pearl Igneous Black, and Matte Marshal Green Metallic.

The Honda X-Blade prices will be announced closer to its market availability in March 2018.

The all new digital instrumentation comes with a Service Due Indicator and gear position indicator. The long 1,347 mm wheelbase and the wider 130 section tubeless rear tyre ensures comfort during longer rides.

Minoru Kato, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said, “Gaining maximum market share, Honda is set to cross 6 million sales target this fiscal year. Our 3 brand new models of 2017-18 – Cliq, Africa Twin and Grazia are already well received in the Indian market.”

“I am confident that India will experience street riding like never before on our 4th brand new offering X-Blade with leading segment first features. 2018 will be an exciting year for the two-wheeler industry and Honda is all set to transform the way India rides in future.”

New 2018 Editions

Honda Two-Wheelers has also displayed ten new 2018 editions from 110cc to 1800cc. The new editions are as follows:

1. Honda Activa 5G

The 5th generation of Honda Activa gets New Deluxe variant (with digital-analog meter and ECO speed indicator and Service Due Indicator), full LED Headlamp and position lamp, next-generation looks (new front chrome garnish), 2 new colours (Dazzle Yellow Metallic, Pearl Spartan Red).

It has some added convenience also like front hook, 4-in-1 lock with seat opener switch and retractable rear hook.

Yadvinder Singh Guleria, Senior Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, said “Indian two-wheeler market is accepting scooters like never before. Leading from the front, ‘India loves Activa’. Giving the love back, Honda is delighted to introduce the fifth generation Activa 5G to give Joy of Riding to all generations.”

2. Honda Livo 2018

Honda’s 110cc Livo in its 2018 edition gets added convenience of new analog-digital meter console with Service Due Indicator, clock and the low-maintenance seal chain.

3. Honda CB Shine 2018

It has got new graphics, front chrome garnish, refreshed instrumentation, low maintenance sealed chain and a new colour (Imperial Red metallic).

4. Honda CB Shine SP 2018

It comes with aggressive tank shroud and new sporty graphics. Adding to the rider’s convenience are the new instrumentation cluster with Service Due Indicator and clock.

5. Honda CB Hornet 160R 2018

The 2018 edition of CB Hornet 160R now comes loaded with all-LED headlamp. It will now be Honda’s second motorcycle with the ABS option (after CBR 250R), hazard lamps and cool blue back lit instrumentation. Honda’s 160cc advanced street-fighter gets a new colour (Dazzle Yellow Metallic) in addition to existing colours and will be available for sale in 4 variants - Standard, CBS, ABS and ABS Deluxe.

6. Honda CBR 250R 2018

The CBR 250R now comes with all-LED headlamp with position lamp, 2-channel ABS, completely new graphics and 2 new colours (Mars Orange, \Striking Green) in addition to the Pearl Sports Yellow, Sports Red and Vibrant Orange (Repsol).

7. Honda CBR650F 2018

Along with new Showa Dual Bending Valve type front fork, Nissin brake calipers, all LED headlamp, the new edition comes loaded with new intake and exhaust. New CBR650F will be available in Millennium Red and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic.

8. Honda Africa Twin 2018

It will now have new throttle by wire technology with three new rider modes for custom engine character and traction. Italso gains a new lighter lithium ion battery (2.3 kg lighter), all new instrumentation, stainless steel spokes with redesigned footrest hangers and new emergency stop signal function in the rear indicators.

9. Honda 2018 edition of CBR1000RR & CBR1000RR SP

The 2018 CBR1000RR is lighter, more powerful, and comes with new gyroscopic ABS, Throttle by Wire, 9 level Honda Selectable Torque Control, Selectable Engine Brake, Honda Electronic Steering Damper and Power Selector. It also comes loaded with advanced electronics (full-colour TFT instrumentation inspired by RC 213V-S) and gets a new Grand Prix Red colour too.

CBR1000RR Fireblade SP is Honda’s first ever motorcycle to come with semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control (S-EC) suspension, lithium ion battery, quick-shifter with slipper clutch and Brembo front calipers.

10. Honda Gold Wing 2018

In the new avatar, Gold Wing gets the 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) technology and new compact flat six-cylinder engine. The bike now gets Honda’s double wishbone front suspension. Adding to it is the Apple CarPlay integration in a 7-inch TFT colour display, electronically adjustable windscreen, full LED lighting and new Candy Ardent Red colour.